The Democrats received bad news on Thursday that could still serve the cause of one of their own: Democratic Senator from Michigan Debbie Stabenow, 72, announced that she will not seek a new mandate in 2024. The party of Joe Biden will therefore have to defend at least one seat in a pivotal state without a senator in office, which represents an additional difficulty.
But Stabenow’s retirement could also be a great opportunity for an ambitious young Democrat, in this case Pete Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and current Secretary of Transportation. Buttigieg moved to Michigan last July. His name was immediately mentioned as a potential candidate for the Michigan senatorial election, as the note the Washington Post.
A presidential candidate in 2020, Buttigieg is also considered a potential contender for the White House in 2024 if Joe Biden decides not to seek a second term. If Biden embarks on a final campaign, as expected, Mayor Pete could see the Senate as an attractive perch to continue serving his country and to prepare for an eventual run for president in 2028.
To be continued…
(Photo AP)